November 1 marked the opening of the Health Insurance Marketplace for the 2016 open enrollment period, and Federal agencies and partners are hard at work to get the word out that now is the time to shop for quality, affordable health care coverage!

Through January 31, individuals can apply for a 2016 health plan, renew their current plan, or pick a new plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace .

Here’s a round-up of several recent open enrollment articles and blog posts from across the Federal government that might be useful to our readers!

WhiteHouse.gov

White House Announces Healthy Communities Challenge

The White House issued the Healthy Communities Challenge, asking communities with high numbers of the uninsured to compete to see who can enroll the most people by the end of open enrollment. Twenty communities were selected to take part in the challenge.

HHS.gov Blog

A Solid Start

HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced that in the first week of open enrollment, more than 540,000 people selected a health insurance plan through the HealthCare.gov platform. HHS Partners With Women’s Organizations to Get Out the Word During Open Enrollment

During the Women’s Week of Action, HHS highlighted its partnerships with more than 30 women’s organizations to help enroll women and their families in quality, affordable health coverage.Honoring Veterans this Open Enrollment

HHS Secretary Burwell and VA Secretary McDonald penned a joint op-ed recognizing the importance of helping our nation’s veterans and their families gain access to quality and affordable health insurance.

HRSA.gov Newsroom

HRSA Awards $7 Million to New Local Health Centers to Help Enroll People in the Health Insurance Marketplace

HRSA awarded $7 million to 93 new health centers for enrollment outreach and assistance. (Awardees include several health centers that target populations at risk for or living with HIV.)

CMS.gov Newsroom

CMS Announces $32 Million to Help Get Eligible Children Enrolled in Health Coverage

CMS announced $32 million in available funds to support efforts to reach out to families with children eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and help get them covered.

IHS.gov Blog

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period: Nov. 1, 2015 – Jan. 31, 2016Robert G. McSwain, Principal Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service, highlighted key benefits available to members of federally recognized Tribes, and encouraged those who are eligible for services from the IHS, Tribal program or urban Indian health program to enroll in a Marketplace plan.